Storque articles: Spotlight

Etsy Finds: Knot a Typical Affair

2010-02-09T11:28:00-05:00

These days tying the knot doesn't mean being stuck with your mother's tastes and beholden to your father's pocketbook. Weddings have become a deeply personal expression of a couple's identity and there's no place like Etsy to find inspiration. Today's Etsy Finds collection shows off some of our most unique nuptial themes. With DIY, handmade and retro vintage treasures it's easy to make your fantasy wedding a reality. Take your sweetheart on a shopping spree through past wedding Etsy Finds, and of course, don't miss our outstanding Weddings category!

Once Upon a Time

Flights of Fancy

By HeadCaseByG, $18.

Once Upon A Time Ornament

By aspoonfulofcharm, $4.

Burgundy Hood

By BarbwireandRoses, $250.

Thumbelina Shadow Puppet

By IsabellasArt, $20.

A fairy tale dress...

By Carolinasoma, $128.

Fairy Wings in Black and Mauve

By UpfromtheAshes, $160.

Homespun Love

Rosy Lily Top Denim and Silk

By attiladesign, $305.

Wooden Doll Cake Toppers

By theenchantedcupboard, $65.

Bubble Bead Headband

By littlehoneypies, $10.

Twenty Kisses Brooch

By pipandemily, $35.

Waste Not Want Not Clutch

By rejenerate, $69.

hand embroidered elephants card

By bybelinda, $4.50.

A Dark Romance

Gothic Silk Marie Antoinette Gown

By RomanticThreads, $795.

Mia - Feather Hair Clip Fascinator

By VieModerne, $36.

Milk and Honey Cameo Soap Bar

By Essenceofgaia, $4.20.

BLACK ROSE Gothic Perfume Oil

By MeenasMagickals, $4.

Candle Holder/Vase Block

By blackbrocade, $24.99.

Fifteen Tiny Keys

By missemilygene, $30.

Green Dream

Floating Away...

By Stilllily, $40.

Apron Dress

By KTGinc, $766.

beanstalk eco-friendly invitation (25)

By kissandtellcards, $116.25.

Watercolor Dreams Crown

By gardensofwhimsy, $28.

Textured Leaf Earrings

By SigaliotJewelry, $32.

Dipping dish - leaves in chartreuse

By hopejohnson, $18.

Champagne Toast

Creme D'or Champagne Gown

By colorada, $800.

ANGELA BRIDAL CAPELET

By DCCFORMALSTYLE, $250.

The Harrelson Suit

By MicheleNassaney, $995.

Vintage 1930's Wedding Hat

By yellowfield7, $350.

Fluer de Choker

By vintagecityclassics, $110.

Champagne Toast Fondant

By TwoSugarBabies, $13.

Woodland Fantasy

Orange and Red Mushroom House

By thepinkkoala, $9.

bird with eggs in nest headband

By hootvintage, $25.

Shrubbery Pom Pom Plush Plant

By glamasaurus, $20.

POMPOM POLLINIS size 6.5 /7

By KirstyMcKenzie, $177.

12 Griffith milk glass spice jars

From ModishVintage, $139.

Rainbow Light crochet dress

By rubypearl, $268.

Goin' to the Chapel

Pink Heart Birdcage Veil

By HeartFeltByAviva, $40.

Vintage 60s Red Velvet Dress

From studio1950, $75.

Champagne Diamond Solitaire

By wireddesign, $140.

Invitation Set - Recycled/Vintage

By revelry, $12.95.

Vegan Vamp altered vintage gloves

By aprilevening, $18.

Vintage Cake Topper

From ItsyBitsyVeil, $10.

An Art Affair

look 02 theLELALAMBone

By blushless, $2900.

Pop Tab Masquerade Mask

By obsequies, $5.67.

Spiked Necklace Beach Punk

By Starrbeads, $68.

Gourmet Apples

By DessertedPoint, $8.

Font Lessons Zine

By TFRice, $1.

ladder cup

By villarrealceramics, $32.

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Anti-Valentine's Day

2010-02-08T15:24:00-05:00

Do the couples canoodling at sunset make you want to hurl yourself off a cliff? I plan on celebrating my singledom this Valentine's Day with some bacon-infused whiskey and a 6 a.m. dance party. Check out the Related Items below for the warm embrace of cynicism, independence, and self-love.

Items Tagged "Anti-Valentine" | Etsy Love Stories

Etsy Finds: Opposites Attract

2010-02-08T12:00:00-05:00

We often say that a match is made in heaven, but not every pair is a result of familiarity: opposites attract! (Think Democrat James Carville and Republican mate Mary Matalin.) Today's Etsy Finds collection is a Valentine ode to the odd combos that, when paired, produce sweet harmony. In many cases we cannot think of one without the other!

Discover more ideas for your complement in the Valentine's Day Category and with Valentine shopping guides on Etsy's blog.

Sweet and Sour

SWEET LEMONADE LIP BALMS

By BalmMom, $3.50.

I Love Sour

By inkdesigner, $10.

Man and Woman

Tax Man Novelty Pincushion

By sewsewsuckurtoe, $8.50.

red stripes Tattooed Lady doll

By mck254, $225.

Ebony and Ivory

Triple strand black rope headwrap

By LELETNY, $60.

Classic Cream Coat Free

By yystudio, $368.

Peanut Butter and Jelly

Made for Each Other Pillow Set

By diffractionfiber, $59.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Necklaces

By BabyLovesPink, $19.50.

Hippies and Squares

Wear A Rainbow Scarf

By BessetteArt, $38.

Vtg 1960s Navy Whale Ribbon Bag

From OldBaltimoreVintage, $26.

Yin and Yang

Yin N Yang Fairy Gnomes

By OOAKSculptures, $14.

Yin Yang

By lucanna, $185.

Nuts and Bolts

Chess Set, Modern Nuts and Bolts

By christyannbrewer, $199.

honeycomb of nuts in black buckle

By bykali, $25.

Butch and Femme

Original illustration-masculine suit-

By glamourouslove, $35.

Morgana Femme Corset

By MorganaFemmeCouture, $695.

Rose and Thorn

Thorns Not Included Soap

By DressGreen, $5.50.

Rose Thorn Cane

By TortureWood, $175.

Cats and Dogs

013 CAT AND DOG

By edart, $18.

Cat and Dog Love Print 5 x 7

By Juliapott, $12.

Sun and Moon

Porcelain Salad Bowl

By khphillips, $70.

Blue Moon of Kentucky studs

By JujuBySarah, $90.

Salt and Pepper

Mineral Bath Salts with Ylang Ylang

By PacificParadiseSoap, $5.

Astronauts Salt/Pepper Shakers

By modernfx, $30.

Lady and Tramp

1960s Ladies Olive Pillbox Hat

From VintageTimeMachine, $7.50.

Hobo bIndle notebook

By picklehead, $5.

Elephant and Mouse

Hard Cover Journal with Elephant

By Nicopapergoods, $32.

Moe the Mouse Keychain

By andreacorson, $45.

Angel and Devil

Guardian Angel

By AgiArt, $25.

Shout at the Devil Boot Destroyer

By heavymetallaundry, $225.

Ones and Zeros

Circuit Board/Topography Plate

By trudalakingglatz, $30.

Binary Code Ring District 9

By idlehandsdesigns, $58.

Messy and Tidy

Wild Berry Scrappy Scarf

By abhayafibers, $65.

felt tray

By MinceCo, $12.

Owl and Pussycat

The Owl Stool

By owlstool, $245.

I'm All Ears - The Golden Kitten Ring

By TheGoldenPlague, $84.

Fire and Water

Hanging Fire Red Paper Lampshade

By andreaslights, $50.

Tidal Wave crop jacket

By muirhughes, $55.

Bread and Butter

Mr. Fronch Toast

By plushteam, $20.

Stoneware French Butter Keeper

By flyingpignc, $32.

Snooki and The Situation

Never-Fall-In-Love-At-Jersey-Shore

By freelaurenmarsella, $25.

Muscle Man Necklace

By AprilWrightDesign, $16.

Thunder and Lightning

Thunder. intaglio.

By fantazerova, $80.

Lightning Strikes Twice Earrings

By darkponydesigns, $10.

Bees and Honey

Flight Of The Honeybee Terrarium

By doodlebirdie, $20.

Gourmet hand cut honeycomb

By carusohoney, $6.

Beauty and Beast

Nuno Felted Silk Blossom Wrap

By glamourjunkie, $225.

Specimen No. 60 (Goggle)

By specimen7, $18.

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

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Quit Your Day Job: soulyyours

2010-02-08T10:52:00-05:00

Barbe of soulyyours spent over twenty years working in the public school system before leaving to take on her growing Etsy shop full time. While in the process of transitioning to a part-time schedule in order to plan ahead for the big leap, Barbe was let go like so many others this past June. Since becoming her own boss, Barbe can't imagine how she did it any other way.

How did you originally get into the business of making things?
I was volunteering with Hospice of Summa’s art therapy program, assisting Beth Wade, of Beth Wade Design, with activities for children having been touched by death. I was commissioned by a couple involved in the program to draw the logo for a 5K race, in memory of a daughter they’d lost; they wanted the caricature created in her image. Realizing the importance of symbolic mementos after having lost a loved one, I decided to design angel pins. After a lot of trial and error, Internet searching, and guidance by other artists, I stumbled upon precious metal clay (clay comprised of fine silver particles, water, and an organic binder that becomes 99.9% fine silver once fired in a kiln) and my first designs came to life! Since then, my pins (now retired), along with my other handmade original rustic jewelry designs, have been sold at juried art shows, galleries, and of course here on Etsy!

Tell us about your previous working situation:
I began my full-time work experience in 1986. Its initial purpose was not one of passion, but a means to a nice paycheck and a sound retirement. After the birth of my daughter Chelle in 2007, it became very difficult juggling a full-time job, running a small business, and giving quality time to my family. I was exhausted by the end of the day. Wanting to accumulate a couple of more years towards my 25-year retirement before setting out full time on my own, I decided to go from a management salary to a secretarial salary within the public school system. I relished in the thought of fewer hours, long winter holidays, spring breaks, and glorious summers. Not unlike many other businesses touched by recent economic challenges, as a low woman on the seniority scale, I was laid off after a year of employment in June of 2009.

When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
Not at first. I didn’t really have a concrete plan of where I wished to take my business. I pretty much stumbled upon Etsy, and after getting up enough confidence, decided to post my first piece in 2006. After some time away, I decided to revisit Etsy in 2007— when my daughter was just a few months old, and I was seriously considering other career options. In 2008, I began making a commitment to Etsy, building my shop, and posting on a regular basis.

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time? Feel free to give us the nitty gritty business details.
Working for the school system, I was already prepared to be without a paycheck during the summer months. Given a couple of months notice prior to my layoff, I made certain our family bills were in order and stocked away funds enough to cover expenses regardless of how my Etsy sales and art shows were going.

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
I would probably receive a “D” in marketing...

Although, I’ve found that wearing my jewelry is probably one of the best free promotions!
Visibility at art shows has proven a huge marketing outlet for me, bringing in many repeat local customers, wholesale accounts, and commissions.
I absolutely love Etsy Treasuries! The luck of the draw with capturing one or being featured in one (thanks Kara of Knme) makes the home page is a sure marketing success!
Listing, listing, listing! For me, with the right mix of balance and timing, this has proven a sure way to increase my visibility and sales on Etsy.
I am a proud member of the Etsy Metal Clay Team, an absolutely amazing Team of fine silver jewelry artisans! The Team offers a wonderful support system, a wealth of resources, as well as an avenue for cross promoting.

What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
On occasion I’ve purchased ads. I noticed little, if any, increase in sales. I’ve been a bit more consistent with blogging than I have been with Twitter, and I use Facebook mainly to keep up with friends.

Walk us through your typical workday.

6:00 a.m. — The alarm rings, and I make my way to my zen space and practice meditation and yoga.
6:30 a.m. — I indulge in a cup of coffee while catching up on news, emails/Convos, Etsy Metal Clay Team posts, and Facebook. Somewhere in the midst, I kiss Jeff goodbye as he leaves for work, and greet my daughter Chelle good morning. Then, it’s time for a warm milk sippy before breakfast (for Mommy, Chelle, and our Great Dane Moia) and getting dressed. While Chelle is playing, I prep dinner.
9:00 a.m. — A couple of days a week, Chelle visits her grandparents so that I can work uninterrupted. Eventually, she will be attending the Spring Garden Waldorf School part time; otherwise, she “helps” me in my studio (mixed with a bit of free play, coloring, play dough, and reading). I print out, fill orders and pop them in the mailbox for our wonderful USPS man to pick up (very convenient and saves gas). Early in the week, I design (make/finish jewelry), and towards the end of the week I complete administrative tasks (order supplies, research, marketing, finances, etc.)
11:00 a.m. — During lunch, Chelle watches PBS, and I check emails, relist items, and check out the Etsy Forums and blog.
12:00 p.m. — While Chelle naps for a couple of hours, I work hard at finishing any remaining tasks.
2:00 p.m. — Chelle wakes up and sits on my lap while we share conversation and a snack, and when the weather is nice, we enjoy a bit of play outdoors. Jeff arrives home shortly thereafter, and a few days a week, I’m off to teach my creative awareness through jewelry making workshops (Promise Project) to elementary age school children.
5:30 p.m. — I arrive back home for dinner and the majority of the evening is spent with my family, outside of relisting a couple of pieces.
7:30 p.m. — Bathtime and story for Chelle, followed by her bedtime.
9:00 p.m. — At last, some free time with Jeff! …and the computer, checking emails, relisting, Facebook.

What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
I love being home, I love spending these irreplaceable moments with my baby girl — it feels so natural! I have my social moments, but I love my space and serene moments — the flexibility to draw from within. I certainly don’t miss the drama and tension of deadlines. I love living my passion! I love not feeling sacrificed.

What's the hardest part about running your own business?
It did take some time adjusting to the inconsistent paycheck after 20+ years! But, it’s been a true lesson in priorities, and being able to joyfully live without spending just to spend. The comments of others who don’t necessarily perceive what I do as “real work,” because I enjoy it and because I do so from the comfort of my home, can be frustrating. Creating balance can be a challenge — trying to “leave work” in the evenings/weekends to fully be in the moment with my family and friends. Not being so hard on myself when I feel I’ve accomplished less than I should have on any given day. Although the Internet creates a world of opportunities unlike any other, with that comes the pressure as an entrepreneur to hop on every digital tool/marketing bandwagon. There is only so much time in one day… really.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
Not to wait for the universe to make the decision for me. My sister had been encouraging me for years to set out on my own. Now that I have, it’s hard to believe that I did it any other way. Never let the fear of others determine the path that you are meant to take. It is never too late to start dreaming about what you want to be when you grow up.

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?

Finding new, economically viable ways to market my shop.
Presenting new collections I’ve had on the back-burner for a while.
Happy customers, healthy sales!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I can’t say enough about how wonderful Etsy is! Not merely a place to display and sell your wares, but a wonderful community of support and resources! The world seems a bit cozier being able to connect with so many wonderful people! Thanks for taking the time to learn a bit more about me!

Thanks to Barbe for sharing her story. You can see some of Barbe's beautiful work in the Related Items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.

Etsy Finds Decor: Repurposed Retreat

2010-02-07T11:00:00-05:00

This weekend's Get the Look: Decor is inspired by Sandra Soss's Chicago home and studio. Staying true to her self-proclaimed bricolage lifestyle, Sandra’s home is a compelling amalgamation of collections, artwork, thrift shop treasures, found objects and donated furnishings that are constantly rearranged and repurposed.

Sandra also runs two successful Etsy shops, bricolagelife and daisychainvintage. When her hands aren’t full of “glue, threads, camera or onions” she blogs about her various art projects, home life, cooking and decorating at Bricolagelife.

View more photos of Sandra’s home on Flickr. Check out the Etsy Finds below for creative decorating ideas to transform your home into a cozy retreat filled with meaningful collections and objects.

Treasures - signed reproduction print

By KatHannah, $21.

Vintage Rand McNally World Globe

From impulseART, $26.

Vintage 1940s Folding Oak Wood Chairs

From sevenbc, $120.

The Emperor Seat, gorgeous stool

By StilNovoDesign, $185.

pair of green metal boxes

From ImSoVintage, $19.

cards for Grandma

By tushtush, $50.

instant collection - ceramic bowl set

From thewildplum, $12.

Vintage Nesting Hen Covered Dish

From DowntownGirlVintage, $15.

Snowdrops

By reyaveltman, $55.

Pine Tree Key Rack

By yellowcanoe, $38.

Oscar Wilde Prayer Candles Set

By DeadMenTellingTales, $30.

Porcelain Pods

By DTerryDesigns, $22.

Orange Chair House

By CornflowerPress, $48.

Vintage Equestrian Horse Pilliow

By amye123, $16.

Saint Tammy Prayer Candle in White

By sweetheartville, $20.

Teensy Vintage Banner Trio

By monkeypuzzle, $20.

Mosaic Table

From DecktoutHome, $219.

Vintage Kitschy Souvenir Pillow

From thebackwardglance, $14.

Chernushka

By Mystectvo, $2400.

Conifer Plate

By mernim, $40.

Cottage style Paper Mache Boxes

By thebrokenhouse, $21.98.

Vintage map handmade Lamp shade

By theoldlampshed, $56.

Cork Bulletin Board - Wood Frame

By LaffyDaffy, $23.

Western Meadowlark.. a pretty print

By candacejean, $12.

Fern and Gloria Original Watercolor

By vivstrauss, $170.

General Electric Oscillating Table Fan

From vintageonthemake, $50.

I Heart HOPE - Obama Poster Print

By WilliamDohman, $14.

Custom Map Tray - Large

By CarolinaCottage, $40.

Green Cheese Tray/ Desk Accessory

From thevintageholicfrog, $18.

Sea Green Gooseneck Desk Lamp

From funretro, $7

Inside Out Collection - Happily Ever After

By RomanekDesign, $20.

An Irish Toast to Your Coffin Poster

By VictorianLowbrow, $13.95.

Marimekko Mini Unikko Pillow Cover

By ModDiva, $27.95.

Set of Books Proust Locke & Maugham

From tigerluxe, $43.

Floating Fern Farm - Original painting

By unitedthread, $25.

Plant an Idea

By elsita, $25.

Mini Goals Chalkboard - Today I Will

By MaryKateMcDevitt, $33.

Recycled Map Treasure-Cigar Box

By HocusFocus, $18.

Painted Turquoise Plate Shelf

From pattispolkadots, $28.

Strawberry Pitcher

From autumnalways, $16.

Looking for more styles and interiors? Check out our video series, There's No Place Like Here, where creative types show us their unique spaces — infused with their aesthetic and filled with the treasures they collect. Get involved and show us your amazing space in this Flickr pool.

Check out other Get the Look: Home Decor Editions.

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links: Guest Curators | Trends | Gift Ideas

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Etsy Finds: Revenge of the Nerds

2010-02-06T11:35:00-05:00

Geek is the new chic, did you hear? With technology trail blazing the next frontier and gadgets becoming an essential part of the daily routine, it's time to embrace our inner dork and geek out over the Etsy Finds below. For more nerdtastic inspiration, peruse Etsy's Geekery Category.

Working vintage headphones

From CompositeModern, $45.

The iPhone Cheese-Case

By Antjes, $35.

1930s RARE Antique Remington

From joevintage, $525.

Headphones pillow

By SoapStudiooos, $35.

Vintage Shuron Horn Eyeglasses

From Vintage50sEyewear, $67.

You Are The CSS to My HTML Tee

By PopandShorty, $25.

SWANclothing SOCK GARTERS

By SWANclothing, $35.

Found Object Robot Assemblage

By Adoptabot, $325.

Custom Wool Netbook, Notebook

By indibe, $55.

Cuter Up Close Eye Chart Tee

By Winklepots, $30.

Nerd Dork snack bowls

By trixiedelicious, $40.

Deluxe Mixtape Pouch - Love Mix

By BraveMoonman, $50.

The Giant Spotted Monster Cozy

By BirdonaFernStudio, $32.

Vintage alarm clock

From spacejam, $40.

5 Robots

By JackieKoehler, $250.

Head phones hat. Custom order

By escaodesign, $55.

Life Sized Wooden Space Ship

By mangopork, $9997.

Personalized Pocket Protector Set

By annebvinyl, $38.

Gadget pouch

By YanaK, $30.

ROBOT GIRL Doll Primitive Folk Art

By cartbeforethehorse, $180.

Droid Ring

By JujuBySarah, $180.

FELT LAPTOP SLEEVE

By FILEMILE, $60.

Letterpress Valentines card

By DingbatPress, $3.50.

Type Cufflinks XY chromosome

By zukerj, $40.

Split - Illuminated Eye Chart

By mpaulus, $400.

Robotic teapot

By richardsymonsart, $100.

All-in-One Desk Organizer

By woodtec, $199.

silk tie brooch

By ilovetweek, $28.

Geek is the New Cool

By Morphologica, $54.50.

USB Command Flash - 4GB

By robotbaby, $28.

R-O-B-O-T Canvas Baby Loafer

By GraciousMay, $27.99.

Custom Cat Dish-- om nom nom

By gabizoidal, $35.

Plaid Tie with Geek Glasses

By LookTwiceToledo, $15.

Set of 3 Geek Books

By erinzam, $20.

Computer Love Ring

By idlehandsdesigns, $63.

Computer Geek Wood Carving

By OPaCarver, $40.

Laptop Sweater with waffle buttons

By TillyLula, $25.

creditcard holder goose pink leather

By squirrellicious, $22.50.

iPod Touch Case, Bamboo Wood

By formfunction, $45.

Gray Koala Crocheted Headphones

By LateToTheRevolution, $30.

spell GEEK necklace

By molecularmuse, $105.

Altoids Mint Tin Computer Mouse

By tocs, $35.

Eco Recycled Banner Sleeve

By NottyPooch, $64.

Eye Test Necklace

By TillyBloom, $25.

Brass Headset Radio Necklace

By CuteAbility, $20.

Felt pillow with giraffes applique

By mishima, $30.

Robot

By toutoudemavie, $60.

Mephisto Series 1 Designer Toy

By mephistodesigns, $35.

Mac optic mouse toy

By GEEKitty, $7.

Heart - Circuit Pendant

By beadworkbyamanda, $28.

Custom Barcode Dog T-Shirt

By BarcodeArt, $28.50.

robot man in plaid- nerdy

By mck254, $250.

IPHONE SLEEVE

By JoliOriginals, $36.

Miniature Elephant Robot

By sage12888, $105.

Vintage Typewriter Key Ring

By GwenDelicious, $29.

Plex Robot Hat Crochet Cap

By UrbanPrincess, $30.

Floppy Disk Coasters

By TechnoChic, $16.

Cool Blue Leather Ipod Case

By delugeonal, $50.

Pocketbook Checkbook Wallet

By QuietDoing, $44.

Atomic Symbol for Silver Pendant

By nicholasandfelice, $27.50.

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Guest Curators | Trends | Gift Ideas

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Etsy Finds: Sweep Her off Her Feet

2010-02-05T11:02:00-05:00

Be it romance, family, or friendship, show the ladies in your life how special they are this Valentine's Day with a thoughtful gift from Etsy. This array of heartfelt gift ideas for the ladies was nominated by Etsy's community. Join in the fun and vote for your favorite item from this collection today! The top five picks will be featured on Etsy's home page Friday, February 12.

The Valentine Gifts for Her vote will be open from February 5, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. ET until February 11, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Visit Etsy's Voter to choose your favorites from a variety of themes and collections.

Initial Vintage Letterpress Necklace

By GwenDelicious, $30.

White Bottle Vase trio set

By OneClayBead, $120.

Valentine Pleated Red V-neck Top

By tasifashion, $56.

BE MINE - Glycerin Heart Soaps

By TwinDreamCreations, $6.

Red Velvet Vegan Cupcakes

By thecupcakemint, $15.

Cashmere Blend Mohair Mittens

By LoveandKnit, $29.

LA BOHEME French Messenger

By ikabags, $47.

Daisy Pink and Black Silk Bra

By Hopeless, $160.

FREE SHIPPING SCARF RED

By denizgunes, $45.

Hug and Kiss Earrings

By corrieberrypie, $20.

Vintage Linen Egg Cosy/Cozy

By polkadotsandblooms, $22.

Cochineal Pink

By ecologicalartist, $200.

Valentines Day Love Spoon

By monkeysalwayslook, $8.

My Valentine Necklace

By CinnamonCottage, $65.

small diamond ring

By thebrassmenagerie, $21.

sweet home hand towel - pink

By PataPri, $15.

Loves Whisper - 8x10

By AmeliaKayPhotography, $30.

country love- clutch purse

By karuski, $29.

Set of Magnets with Vintage Lace

By botanicaltheatre, $12.

A Bouquet for Valentines

By BejewelledBespoke, $119.

I Heart This Horseshoe Hanger

By mollyannemake, $55.

Night gown slip dress

By econica, $89.

Dandelion Earrings

By blissiful, $59.

Ruby And Pearl Rosary Necklace

By BellaBeadsOriginals, $135.

Love Spell (Type) Body Polish

By WickedSoaps, $12.

OOAK mini wool felt Top Hat

By LoveCharlie, $155.

Pretty Water Bottle Valentine Hearts

By PrettyNPreppy, $19.50.

Silver Crab Claws necklace

By redsofa, $80.

Love Grows Sterling Garnet Hoops

By KiraFerrer, $74.

Felt Candle Wrap - Pillar Candle

By ItzFitz, $7.

Cotton voile ruffled scarf

By ThongbaiTatong, $35.

Black Heart Boyshorts

By ClareBare, $35.

Apricot Wings Tee

By bonbiforest, $28.

Hollow Book Secret Safe

By SecretSafeBooks, $24.50.

Valentine's Day Gift Perfume Bottle

By artjewelryonline, $95.

Emery Pincushion

By dottyral, $22.

Custom Conversation Heart Pillow

By designlab443, $40.

Wool hat for women in rose red

By terrygraziano, $192.

Love Stones

By Fairyfolk, $20.

Heart Two

By meganstelzer, $26.

ROYAL Ruby Red Lily Headband

By ThreadRare, $50.

Jar of Love - watercolor painting

By GollyBard, $60.

fuzzy felted cherry red wool bowl

By thefuzzymonkey, $16.

Recycled Wool Tomato Satchel

By WoolyBison, $125.

initial stacking rings

By tinahdee, $80.

Bike Love Flower Brick

By vickihartmanclay, $19.

Shimmering Pink Solid Resin Ring

By BuyMyCrap, $44.

Champagne Bottle Body Wash

By Thistledelight, $9.95.

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Etsy Finds: Purple Quarry

2010-02-04T11:00:00-05:00

A purple variety of quartz, the amethyst is the official birthstone of February and is also the birthstone for the Zodiac sign of Pisces. The amethyst is believed to make the wearer feel calm and good-natured and is also a stone that is said to represent friendship and break the spells of addiction. Its beautiful hues of violet and one-of-a-kind formations make it the perfect Valentine gift for that special someone or anyone celebrating a February birthday.

The following Etsy Finds are inspired by the many shades of purple that can be found within this unique gemstone. Find even more exciting shades of amethyst using Etsy's Shop by Color tool.

Amethyst Wedge Pendant

By JujuBySarah, $90.

JUST AMETHYST Mosaic Belt Buckle

By cynthiamonica, $95.

Purple Dragonfly Magnets

By merritthyde, $15.

Glowing Blooms Stack

By kyleannemetals, $88.

pansy cluster necklace

By foamywader, $89.

Amethyst Crystal Soap

By amethystsoap, $18.99.

Dandelions -Handprinted Tee Shirt

By jenskelley, $19.

Thunder Bay Amethyst Specimen

By elseetee2, $110.

Violet Crystal, Amethyst Pendant

By iacua, $88.

Rosette Fascinator // The Celestial

By giantdwarf, $30.

Amethyst Bamboo Fingerless Gloves

By heiditheartist, $22.

Amethyst Recycled Bullet Pendant

By ShannonAmidon, $50.

Sterling Silver Flower Necklace

By 2BellesBeads, $100.

Gemstone Handmade Afghan

By porchswingafghans, $90.

Blown Glass Purple Bowl

By yuummmer, $45.

Mosaic Earrings

By grayraven, $35.

Amethyst Swag Necklace

By ShopClementine, $48.

Nolita FairytaleDdress in Grape

By GinaMicheleVintage, $50.

two vintage amethyst decanter vase

From ModishVintage, $30.

Amethyst Purple Vintage Glass Gems

By decoratethediva, $26.

Raw Amethyst Pendant Necklace

From LoveP, $29.95.

Purple Peony Lariat / Bolo

By ohmay, $49.

Vintage Purple Record Player

From diantiques, $99.

Orchid Russian Spiral Bracelet

By seedsandbeads, $15.

Rare Moss Amethyst Necklace

By moonovermaize, $55.

amethyst glass bird.

From aptprophets, $50.

Plum Velvet Headband

By bethanylorelle, $18.

Purple Haze Necklace

By mycellardoor, $40.

Amethyst Fancy Ring

By isdesigns, $75.

Camera Neck Strap

By bonecalinda, $27.

Small berry bowl strainer

By vesselsandwares, $28.

Scattered Light Necklace - OOAK

By luminoddities, $26.

raw amethyst ring.

By maroulina, $52.

original watercolor abstract painting

By PaintSlinging, $45.

Tumbler, Pattern in Grape

By kiefferceramics, $48.

Huge 22 Carat Amethyst Ring

By mastergoldcraft, $2050.

ONNAQUET...the necklace...

By Theambersunflower, $64.99.

Rosette Headband

By Brydferth, $30.

Amethyst Tube Dress

By Lovesmariessa, $50.

Blooming Violet Gemstone Necklace

By hamptonjewels, $42.

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Guest Curator: Paper Magazine's Alexis Swerdloff

2010-02-03T15:20:00-05:00

Alexis Swerdloff is the executive editor of PAPER magazine and PAPERMAG.com. She lives in Brooklyn.

For my job at PAPER I spend a lot of time “curating” people — finding up-and-coming actors, musicians, designers, artists, and writers to feature in the magazine (like the Etsy crew, who I wrote about back in 2007!). It is rare that I get to curate THINGS, which is why I had so much fun putting together this little Etsy guide.

Ritz Cracker Necklace

There is something intrinsically hilarious about wearing a brass Ritz cracker around your neck (and I love that the folks at GarnettJewelry included little flecks of salt!). $24.

Pears by Christopher Bettig

I was just over at my friends’ house and noticed that they had a vintage print of various pears hanging over their bed. I was struck by how elegant pears are and realized that I would like something pear-related hanging in my home. This print by LA-based artist Christopher Bettig is a really nice shade of green and kind of mid-century modern in its aesthetic. By themountainlabel, $40.

Felt Food Hot Dog

I find BeckyM’s felt hot dog very adorable and I'm now officially obsessed with tiny felt food. By BeckyM, $8.75.

Anais School Girl Dress - Navy

By zorya, $37.

Vintage 80s Short PUFF Sleeve Secretary Dress

I have rarely met a striped, polka-dotted or navy blue dress I didn’t like. Just ask anyone who knows me — the number of dresses I own in those various iterations verges on ridiculous. Here are two that I found and liked. From VonlenskaVintage, $45.

vtg. COACH large bucket bag brown leather like new

From storyofthings, $110.

Vintage Woven Navajo Purse

From sarabeat, $22.

Bow Clutch/Purse Silver Vintage

I am also a crazy vintage bag lady. Here are three that I found (and now covet). Etsy is a really good place to find reasonably priced vintage Coach bucket bags! By WillowCreekSparrow, $26.

Rebecca

Recently I have been very drawn to black and white art. Etsy has loads of simple, graphic black and white drawings as well as vintage black and white photographs. Barcelona-based artist nosideup makes lovely drawings of the backs of women’s heads. According to the description, “Jo liked being rained on when she was bathing in the sea, and she liked apples in autumn, with cinnamon.” By nosideup, $20.

Miniature Portrait of Jonathan Richman--Framed

I love this miniature portrait of Modern Lovers frontman Jonathan Richman. By gelgud, $65.

Sailing Caps

This drawing is quite sweet. Kierston Essenpries actually did a year-long series of drawings in PAPER back in 2008. By KierstenEssenpreis, $40.

1933 Miss Annette Kellerman's Feats Of Diving And Swimming Illustration

From SurrenderDorothy, $24.89.

1940s 1950s modern woman at refrigerator framed photograph / art work

From jennypennyvintage, $30.

Little Brown Barf Bag, limited edition screenprint

While trawling around Etsy I found two very rude items. The "Little Brown Barf Bag," a send-up of Bloomingdales’ iconic “Little Brown Bag,” was made by Brooklyn-based Sarah Nicole Phillips. By snphillips, $25.

bored...

Fellow Brooklyn artist joettamaue sells dainty (and occasionally subversive) embroidered items in her Bird and Bear Etsy store. The word “bored” hand-stitched on a flowery doily — come on, what is better than that? $145.

Vintage Brass Mouse

This vintage brass mouse didn’t fall into any of my categories, but I just had to put this little guy on my list. Amazing! From thesundaytimesmarket, $18.

Looking for past Guest Curators? Check out our archive!

Etsy Finds: Lost in Translation

2010-02-03T11:00:00-05:00

This week, ABC launched the final season of its popular sci-fi island saga, Lost. Much like the Twin Peaks series of the 1990s, Lost is filled with mystery and paranormal activity, and similarly, its devoted fans delight in the unveiling of cryptic clues that might help unravel the plot. Recurring themes include numerology, puzzles, Egyptian symbolism, time travel and supernatural events. Today's Etsy Finds is inspired by the secret messages and important symbols found by the marooned crash survivors in their efforts to find a way off of the island. See if you can spot some of the references!

SYSTEM FAILURE

By drMikey, $250.

Hieroglyph Sterling Silver Ring

By Plutostar, $94.

Hollow Book Flask Safe

By SecretSafeBooks, $45.

Hieroglyphics - Kisslock Clutch Purse

By Pawilli, $31.

secret message envelope

By sweetiepie, $3.

oil spill

By wacrit, $250.